At our University, digital systems are generally provided through the Sakarya University Information System (SABİS) in an integrated manner. Within this framework, various efforts are carried out to improve the accessibility and usability of the digital systems developed or used by our University. This process is coordinated by the Sakarya University Barrier-Free Life and Support Coordination Office, with the support of other units.
In this context, the University’s website allows announcements, information, and news shared by relevant units to be presented in an accessible format. In addition, in-service training sessions have been organized at two different times in order to ensure that social media posts made by University units are shared in an accessible manner.
The information systems used by students and academic staff make it possible for individuals with disabilities to use these systems. Efforts are being carried out to implement identified accessibility improvement recommendations over time and within available resources.
At Sakarya University, students take some courses entirely through distance education. In addition, certain activities of some face-to-face courses can also be carried out through distance education.
Based on this approach, the “Accessible Distance Education Project,” carried out through the cooperation of the Sakarya University Barrier-Free Life and Support Coordination Office, the Computer Research and Application Center, and the Distance Education Research and Application Center, aims to ensure the accessibility of distance education opportunities. Thanks to the accessibility improvements implemented, students with disabilities are able to follow their courses independently without the need for assistance from others.
Within this framework, visually impaired students can make the desired settings in live online classes conducted through distance education by using keyboard shortcuts, and can actively participate in the lessons by performing actions such as turning the microphone on and off. In addition, areas such as chat, screen sharing, and similar features available on the course interface can also be accessed through screen reader programs.
Furthermore, the texts written on the whiteboard in the virtual classroom can easily be read through screen reader programs. In this way, visually impaired students who may experience difficulty accessing the whiteboard in face-to-face classes can directly access the writings on the board in the virtual classroom. Hearing-impaired students, on the other hand, can follow the spoken explanations instantly thanks to the automatic conversion of speech into subtitles during the lessons.
Students with disabilities can download the presentation files used in courses directly to their computers and study at any time they wish.
Exams are also conducted in an accessible format to ensure that the academic success of students with disabilities is not negatively affected. Within this scope, visually impaired students can access questions in different formats, mark them, or provide written answers using screen reader software. In addition, information such as the number of questions and remaining time is actively presented in an accessible manner. Moreover, before the exam is submitted, it is possible to check whether all questions have been answered in an accessible way. This allows visually impaired students to notice any unanswered questions using screen reader software. At the same time, it reduces the likelihood that all students will lose points by leaving questions unanswered.
The system also allows individuals with muscular disorders to click without excessive difficulty during courses and exams.
Furthermore, the digital system created enables customized settings that allow students with disabilities to take exams using various accommodations, such as extra time.
Click here for the video explaining SABİS accessibility.
